Bellied Up Podcast Summary
Episode: Catholic Guilt and Mormon Myths #161
Hosts: You Betcha Guy (Myles) & Charlie Berens
Release Date: July 24, 2025
Location: Sluggers Bar, Wrigleyville, Chicago

1. Introduction to the Episode

The latest episode of the Bellied Up podcast kicks off with hosts Charlie Berens and You Betcha Guy (Myles) finding themselves at Sluggers Bar in Wrigleyville, Chicago. The lively atmosphere sets the stage for an engaging and humorous exploration of religious dynamics and personal dilemmas.

Charlie:
"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, the Bellied up podcast starts anew. Miles is cracking a beer. I am here. We are here, Sluggers Bar, ladies and gentlemen, in Wrigleyville, Chicago, behind enemy lines."
(00:00)

2. Setting the Scene at Sluggers Bar

Charlie and Miles engage in light-hearted banter about the challenges and perks of urban life, such as parking in Milwaukee versus the vibrant yet crowded streets of Chicago. Their camaraderie is evident as they discuss local landmarks and the unique features of Sluggers Bar, including a batting cage.

Miles:
"Sluggers is cool because they just don't make bars like this anymore. You'll never see it."
(01:28)

3. Video Sharing and Laughter

The hosts share a humorous wildlife video sent by Jared, sparking laughter and playful teasing. They discuss the antics of a camouflaged bird watcher, leading to jokes about eccentric hobbyists.

Charlie:
"Oh, carnated. Was he again. Oh, that's a big one. That's a bass minnow proving me wrong. It's going down tail first. That's not good. That was extraordinary. This guy's my hero."
(04:21)

4. First Caller: Dallin's Animal Problems and Mormon-Hippie Lifestyle

The episode takes a turn as Dallin calls in with a troubling story about his chickens dying at an alarming rate and his neighbor's dog being killed by his twin boys. Dallin reveals his frustrations with living a "cage-free" lifestyle in Arizona and the challenges of marrying a hippie Mormon wife.

Dallin:
"I got chickens dropping left and right. We're losing chickens at a rate of like 4 per month. I only got enough to last me through July."
(12:38)

The conversation delves into the difficulties of managing livestock, dealing with wildlife like coyotes and scorpions, and the strain it places on his relationship and community interactions.

Charlie:
"The hard part is having to look them in the eyes every day and know they got a couple cold blooded killers in my house."
(23:53)

5. Discussion on Catholicism and Mormonism

As the hosts navigate Dallin's predicament, they transition into a broader discussion about Catholic guilt and misconceptions about the Mormon faith. Topics such as "soaking"—a rumored Mormon practice—are humorously dissected, highlighting the myths and realities of interfaith beliefs.

Charlie:
"We want to dispel myths here. We're Mythbusters, you know, so soaking not really a huge thing in the Mormon community. Okay."
(50:27)

The dialogue is peppered with jokes and insightful reflections on how religious beliefs shape personal relationships and societal perceptions.

6. Second Caller: Emily's Catholic Guilt and Interfaith Relationship

Emily, another caller, shares her struggle with maintaining her Catholic faith while being in a relationship with a non-Catholic, spiritually inclined boyfriend. She expresses concern over her Polish grandmother's expectations and the pressure to conform to religious norms.

Emily:
"I have this, you know, a kind of serious boyfriend and he's great, but unfortunately he's not Catholic."
(53:28)

The hosts offer comedic yet sincere advice on navigating familial pressures, honesty in relationships, and balancing personal beliefs with love.

Miles:
"I think you gotta be upfront with your boyfriend. Be like, we, if we do get married, we can't get married till after grandma's gone."
(55:36)

7. Wrap-Up and Light-Hearted Moments

The episode concludes with the hosts reflecting on the conversations, sharing more laughs, and taking audience questions. They maintain their trademark humor while addressing serious topics, ensuring the content remains relatable and entertaining.

Charlie:
"We are not responsible. Stream of consciousness. Just because it comes out of the mouth doesn't mean it's in my soul."
(76:17)

Miles:
"After all that, he still wants to come see your show."
(51:02)

Notable Quotes

• Charlie on Chickens and Kids:
  "The hardest part about that is having to look them in the eyes every day and know they got a couple cold blooded killers in my house."
  (23:53)

• Dallin on His Marital Struggles:
  "I married a hippie... when does it stop?"
  (20:10)

• Emily on Grandmother's Expectations:
  "I've been lying to her every week."
  (53:59)

• Charlie on Religious Myths:
  "We're Mythbusters, you know, so soaking not really a huge thing in the Mormon community."
  (50:27)

Conclusions and Insights

In this episode, Charlie and Miles adeptly blend humor with genuine discussions about religious beliefs, personal relationships, and community challenges. Through engaging storytelling and lively interactions with callers, they shed light on the complexities of interfaith dynamics and the pervasive nature of Catholic guilt. The hosts successfully create an inviting space where listeners can laugh, relate, and reflect on their own experiences.

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